Lightweight, energy-efficient, detachable computer light

ABSTRACT

A computer light for illuminating the computer keyboard or other items in low light environments includes a super bright white LED and a USB plug that enables it to be powered from USB connection ports. The computer light has an elongated neck that is flexible enough to allow the light head to be positioned with ease but stiff enough to allow the light head to assume a fixed position relative to the computer keyboard or other items when it is not being manipulated. The computer light is especially useful for users of portable computers because it is lightweight and energy-efficient, and may be stored in a compact manner.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/207,446, filed May 30, 2000. The entire contents ofthis provisional patent application are incorporated by referenceherein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to a computer light, and moreparticularly to a portable energy-efficient light that is compatiblewith a computer port such as the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or theIEEE1394 (firewire) port.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] As computer use has increased over the years, computer use in lowlight environments has increased as well. In low light environments, theuser is able to view the screen but oftentimes is unable to see thecomputer keyboard or view paper notes such as presentation notes orslides. This is inconvenient even for skilled typists because some keys(e.g., arrow, function, and delete keys) are located on the outer edgesof the keyboard and thus are hard to locate by feel. At times, the userneeds to look at the keyboard and locate the desired key before pressingit, but when there is little or no light for illuminating the keyboard,the user often resorts to guessing and presses the wrong key. Inaddition oftentimes, when a user needs to remove or insert cables intothe computer, there is little light in the back of the computerappliance.

[0006] Many portable light devices are available for the computer user,but these devices require their own power source and are convenient onlyfor use in conjunction with desktop computers. These devices are simplytoo bulky to be carried around and used in conjunction with laptopcomputers. The weight that the portable light device and its powersource adds to the weight of the laptop computer and the laptopcomputer's power source is also a limiting factor. For these and otherreasons, portable light devices, although useful, have not yet becomepopular with laptop computer users and handy for desktop computer users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention provides a computer light that illuminates thecomputer keyboard or other items, such as a document that the computeruser is working on, in low light environments. The computer light islightweight and has a plug that is connectable to a computer port todraw power from the computer's power source. As a result, users oflaptop computers may pack and carry around this device with their laptopcomputers without adding too much extra weight. The computer light isalso energy-efficient so that it does not cause an unnecessary powerdrain on the power supply of the laptop computer. Furthermore, thecomputer light has an elongated neck that is flexible enough to allowthe light head to be positioned with ease but stiff enough to allow thelight head to assume a fixed position relative to the computer keyboardor other items when it is not being manipulated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008]FIG. 1 illustrates a computer light according to an embodiment ofthe invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 illustrates the computer light connected to a port providedon a laptop computer;

[0010]FIG. 3 illustrates the computer light connected to a port providedon a computer keyboard;

[0011]FIG. 4 illustrates the computer light connected to a port providedon a main console of a desktop computer;

[0012]FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a gooseneck cable of thecomputer light;

[0013]FIG. 5B is a plan view of the gooseneck cable having a cut-awayportion;

[0014]FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a cut-away section of thegooseneck cable;

[0015]FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of the LED head assembly;

[0016]FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the LED head assembly;

[0017]FIG. 7 illustrates the computer light equipped with an ON-OFFswitch;

[0018]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating the components thatcontrol the computer light to visually signal an event to the computeruser; and

[0019]FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the program steps executedby a processor to visually signal an event to the computer user.

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in andconstitutes a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferredembodiments of the invention, and together with the general descriptiongiven above and the detailed description of the preferred embodimentsgiven below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The preferred embodiment described below relates to a computerlight that is configured to be used with a USB port on a computer, butthe invention need not be limited thereto. For example, it iscontemplated that a computer light embodying the features of theinvention may be configured for use with other computer ports, includingbut not limited to, the IEEE1394 (firewire) port.

[0022]FIG. 1 illustrates a computer light according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The computer light or lamp 10 has a USB plug 20 to beconnected to power and ground leads of a USB connector on a computer(see FIGS. 2 and 4) or a computer keyboard (see FIG. 3).

[0023] Functionally, the computer light 10 is a USB-slave device. A USBslave device is peripheral device that is controlled by any USB masterdevice using a communication protocol known as the USB protocol. Otherexamples of a USB slave device include scanners, microphones, speakers,and game control devices. USB ports have become increasingly popular inrecent years because of its high data rates, industry standard supportand compact port design.

[0024] An over-molded plastic jacket 30 is formed partially over the USBplug 20. The plastic jacket 30 serves as a handle used during theinsertion of the USB plug 20 into a corresponding USB connection port ona computer and a stop limit to prevent the USB plug 20 from beinginserted too far into the corresponding USB connection port.

[0025] The computer light further includes a gooseneck cable 40 and alight emitting diode (LED) 50. As shown in FIG. 5A, the gooseneck cable40 has a pair of insulated copper wires 41, 42 extending along itscenter portion to electrically couple the USB plug 20 to the LED 50. Thegooseneck cable 40 is flexible enough to allow manual positioning of theLED 50 but stiff enough to allow the LED 50 to assume a fixed positionrelative to the computer keyboard or other items when it is not beingmanipulated. Also, when the computer light is not in use, the gooseneckcable 40 permits it to be coiled into a compact position.

[0026] The rigidity or stiffness in the gooseneck cable 40 is introducedby a pair of tubings 43, 44, the cross-sections of which are shown inFIG. 5A. A plastic cover 45 is provided for decorative purposes. Each ofthe tubings 43, 44 is made of metal wire and is formed by winding themetal wire into a tight spiral as shown in the cut-away view in FIGS. 5Band 5C. The outer radius of the spirals of the inner tubing 43 is formedto be substantially equal to the inner radius of the spirals of theouter tubing 44. The static friction force between the inner and outertubings 43, 44 tends to keep the gooseneck cable 40 in a fixed positionwhen no forces are being applied.

[0027] In the preferred embodiment, the winding direction of the spiralsof the inner tubing 43 is the same as the winding direction of thespirals of the outer tubing 44. In alternative embodiments, the windingdirections may be different. Further, the invention is not limited toany one way of introducing rigidity or stiffness to the gooseneck cable40. Alternative ways are known to those of ordinary skill in the art andthe invention is intended to cover all such variations.

[0028] The length of the gooseneck cable 40 is preferably about 16-18inches. Other lengths of the gooseneck cable 40 may be used inaccordance with the invention, but based on predictable uses of thecomputer light, especially with laptop computers, it was determined thatthe length of 16-18 inches would be convenient to the user. This lengthmakes the computer light 10 easy to handle and allows the LED 50 to bepositioned over the top, side, next to the base unit, etc.

[0029] The LED 50 produces a super bright white light and is positionedwith the gooseneck cable 40 to provide illumination for the computerkeyboard, display, side, etc. When the computer light 10 is insertedinto the USB connection port on the host computer or host keyboard,power from the computer's power supply is supplied to the LED 50 by wayof the USB plug 20 and the wires in the gooseneck cable.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the LED 50 requires 3.6-4.0 voltsand draws approximately 0.020-0.030 milli-amperes. As such, the LED 50consumes around 0.1 watts when connected to the computer's power supply.Since the computer provides a 5-volt source, the voltage is stepped downto 3.6 volts before being supplied to the LED 50. Even when it is usedconstantly and remains ON, the LED 50 decreases the battery life of alaptop computer by only 1 to 3%. One example of an LED that has theabove characteristics is an LED manufactured by Nichia. Anotheradvantage of the LED is its very high life expectation. As a result,unlike light bulbs, which need to be replaced fairly often, with an LED,there is little or no need for replacement.

[0031] Because the LED 50 draws its power from the computer through theUSB connection port, the computer light 10 does not need a battery packas a power source. Consequently, the lamp design is greatly simplified,has less parts and minimizes weight. In the exemplary embodiment, thetotal weight of the computer light 10 is less than 3 ounces. Inaddition, the computer light 10 is very durable and shockproof. Unlikelamps that use light bulbs, there are no parts that can break easily.

[0032] As further illustrated in FIG. 1, the LED 50 is encased byaluminum cylindrical housing 60 and a plastic clear lens 70. One end ofthe cylindrical housing 60 is fitted over the gooseneck cable 40 so thatthe cylindrical housing surrounds the LED 50 and the lens 70 is pressfitted to the other end of the cylindrical housing 60 to encapsulate theLED 50 inside the cylindrical housing 60.

[0033] The details of the LED head assembly is illustrated in FIGS. 6Aand 6B. FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view and FIG. 6B is across-sectional view in the assembled state. Line A in FIG. 6Brepresents the fore-aft position of the rear plane of the lens 70 andLine B in FIG. 6B represents the fore-aft position of the light pointsource of the LED. In the preferred embodiment, Line B is behind Line A,as shown in FIG. 6B. The position of the LED in the preferred embodimentprovide useful light without producing the harsh glare that can bedistracting to the user.

[0034] The plastic clear lens 70 alters light beam characteristics oflight emitted by the LED 50, e.g., color, amount of dispersal, etc. Thesurface finish of the lens 70 can be changed to provide different lightquality as well as provide a soft glow that can be very pleasing to theuser.

[0035] Alternatively, the plastic clear lens 70 may include a silveredreflector that is positioned in front of the LED 50. The light from theLED 50 spans a small cone angle and the silvered reflector reflects thelight into desirable position, spread, characteristic or intensity.

[0036] In addition, the plastic clear lens 70 may include physical ordigital mask to alter the light beam to convey information to the usersuch as temperature reading, time, etc. For example, a lensing elementplus a miniature liquid crystal display can be used together to producea light beam that when reflected against a wall can provide a clockfeature to the user. Also, a multicolor LED can be used to conveyinformation to the user through the change in the color.

[0037]FIG. 2 illustrates the computer light 10 connected to a USBconnection port 210 provided on a main console 220 of a laptop computer.A keyboard (not shown) of the laptop computer is formed integrally onthe upper surface of the main console 220 of the laptop computer, and adisplay 240 is attached in a hinged manner to the main console 20 of thelaptop computer.

[0038]FIG. 3 illustrates the computer light 10 connected to a USBconnection port 3 10 provided on a keyboard 330 of a desktop computer.The keyboard 330 is electrically connected to a main console 320 of thedesktop computer through an electrical cord and plug but is physicallyseparate from the main console 320. A display 340 of the desktopcomputer is, however, is formed integrally on the front face of thedesktop computer. In this embodiment, power is supplied from the powersupply housed in the main console to the LED 50 through the keyboard330.

[0039]FIG. 4 illustrates the computer light 10 connected to a USBconnection port 410 provided on a main console 420 of a desktopcomputer. In this embodiment, both the computer keyboard 430 and thecomputer display 440 are physically separate from the main console 420and electrically connected to the main console 420 through theirrespective electrical cords and plugs.

[0040] In the three embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-4, the main consoleincludes a processor, associated memory, and a power source. The powersource is typically a DC power source and is configured to supply powerto externally connected devices through connection ports, e.g., to USBslave devices through USB connection ports.

[0041]FIG. 7 illustrates the computer light 10 equipped with an ON-OFFswitch 71. When the switch 71 is in an ON position, a closed circuit isformed and power from the computer's power supply is allowed to besupplied to the LED 50. When the switch 71 is in an OFF position, anopen circuit is formed and power from the computer's power supply is cutoff from the LED 50. The computer light 10 may be provided with a femaleUSB connection port (not shown) to allow a different USB slave device tobe connected to the USB connector port of the host computer thereby andbe operable when the switch 71 of the computer light 10 is turned off.

[0042]FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a main console 700 of a computer,illustrating the components that control the computer light 10 tovisually signal an event to the computer user. The components include aprogrammed microprocessor 710 and associated memory 730 for sensing ordetecting an event, e.g., an incoming email, an internet telephone call,an incoming fax that is electronically delivered to the computer, or alevel of network traffic, and a USB controller circuit 720, under thecontrol of the programmed microprocessor 710, for alternativelysupplying power from the power source 740 to the connected computerlight 10 and cutting off power from the power source 740 to theconnected computer light 10, to cause the computer light 10 to flickerON and OFF for a preprogrammed period of time, e.g., 5 seconds, whichshould be long enough to grab the user's attention. The time period forflicker may be controlled by the user by reconfiguring the emailprogram.

[0043] The computer program for executing the visual signaling isillustrated as a flow diagram in FIG. 9. Step 810 is continuouslyexecuted by the programmed microprocessor 710 to see if an event, whichmay be an incoming e-mail, incoming telephone call via internettelephony, an incoming fax message, or any event that the computerrecognizes, is sensed or detected. If it is, in Steps 820, 830 and 840,a type of event is distinguished. If the event is an incoming e-mail,the USB controller circuit 720 is controlled to cycle the LED 50 ON andOFF for equal time periods, e.g., ON for 0.5 second and OFF for 0.5second (Step 825). If the event is an internet telephone call, the USBcontroller circuit 720 is controlled to cycle the LED 50 ON and OFF witha longer ON period than OFF period, e.g., ON for 1 second and OFF for0.5 second (Step 835). If the event is an incoming facsimile, the USBcontroller circuit 720 is controlled to cycle the LED 50 ON and OFF witha shorter ON period than OFF period, e.g., ON for 0.5 second and OFF for1 second (Step 845). For all other events, the USB controller circuit720 is controlled to cycle the LED 50 ON for 1 second and OFF for 1second (Step 850).

[0044] In addition, the different information can be conveyed throughthe use of color through the use of a multicolor LED.

[0045] While particular embodiments according to the invention have beenillustrated and described above, it will be clear that the invention cantake a variety of forms and embodiments within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A computer light device comprising: an LED: a flexible neck connectedat a first end to the LED; a plug connectable to a power source througha computer port, the plug being connected to the flexible neck to supplypower to the LED through the flexible neck.
 2. The computer light deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the LED consumes about 0.1 watts whenconnected to the power source.
 3. The computer light device according toclaim 1, wherein the flexible neck includes inner and outer tubings inintimate contact with each other.
 4. The computer light device accordingto claim 3, wherein the flexible neck includes a pair of wires extendingalong the center of the inner and outer tubings and electricallycoupling the plug and the LED.
 5. The computer light device according toclaim 4, wherein the flexible neck has a length of about 16-18 inches,and the flexible neck is sufficiently rigid to suspend the LED at afixed position.
 6. The computer light device according to claim 4,wherein the inner and outer tubings are comprised of a plurality ofwindings.
 7. The computer light device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a cylindrical housing and a lens, wherein one end of thecylindrical housing is fitted over the flexible neck so that thecylindrical housing encompasses the LED and the lens is fitted toanother end of the cylindrical housing.
 8. The computer light deviceaccording to claim 7, wherein the lens comprises a plastic clear lensthat alters light beam characteristics of light emitted by the Led. 9.The computer light device according to claim 8, wherein the plug is aUSB port compatible plug.
 10. The computer light device according toclaim 1, wherein the plug is a USB port compatible plug.
 11. A computingdevice comprising: a main console having a processor, associated memory,and a power source; an input device coupled to the main console; anoutput device coupled to the main console; and an LED deviceelectrically connected to the power source, the LED device including anLED head and a flexible neck.
 12. The computing device according toclaim 11, wherein the main console includes a USB connector and the LEDdevice is electrically connected to the power source through the USBconnector.
 13. The computing device according to claim 12, wherein theLED device includes a USB plug that is engaged with the USB connector.14. The computing device according to claim 11, wherein the input deviceincludes a USB connector and the LED device is electrically connected tothe power source through the USB connector.
 15. The computing deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the LED device includes a USB plug thatis engaged with the USB connector.
 16. The computing device according toclaim 11, wherein the LED device includes a switch.
 17. The computingdevice according to claim 11, wherein the flexible neck includes innerand outer tubings in intimate contact with each other.
 18. The computingdevice according to claim 17, wherein the flexible neck of the LEDdevice has a length of about 16-18 inches and is sufficiently rigid tosuspend the LED head of the LED device at a fixed position relative tothe main console.
 19. In a computer having a processing unit, an inputdevice coupled to the processing unit, an output device coupled to theprocessing unit, and an LED device coupled to the processing unitthrough a computer port, a method of visually signaling a user of thecomputer, said method comprising the steps of: sensing an event; and inresponse to the sensing of the event, powering ON the LED device tosignal the user of the computer.
 20. The method according to claim 19,wherein the step of sensing includes the step of sensing an incominge-mail message.
 21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the stepof sensing includes the step of sensing an incoming internet telephonecall.
 22. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of sensingincludes the step of sensing an incoming facsimile.
 23. The methodaccording to claim 19, wherein the step of sensing includes the step ofsensing a level of network traffic.
 24. The method according to claim19, wherein the step of powering includes the step of alternativelypowering the LED device ON and OFF.
 25. A computing device comprising: aprocessing unit; a computer port; a power supply; and an LED devicecoupled to the processing unit and the power supply through the computerport, wherein the processing unit is programmed to sense an event and,in response to the sensing of the event, powers ON the LED device tovisually signal the user of the computing device of the event.
 26. Thecomputing device according to claim 25, wherein the computer port is aUSB port.
 27. The computing device according to claim 25, wherein thecomputer port is an IEEE1394 port.
 28. The computing device according toclaim 25, wherein the processing unit is programmed to sense an incominge-mail message.
 29. The computing device according to claim 25, whereinthe processing unit is programmed to sense an incoming internettelephone call.
 30. The computing device according to claim 25, whereinthe processing unit is programmed to sense an incoming facsimile. 31.The computing device according to claim 25, wherein the processing unitis programmed to sense a level of network traffic.
 32. The computingdevice according to claim 25, wherein the processing unit is programmedto power the LED device ON and OFF in an alternate manner.